SUGGESTIONS ON EATING OUT!

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

I am a revised lap-band. I've learned a couple of lessons, being banded first!

I was sleeved on Feb. 3rd. This time around, when at a restaurant, I will NOT continue to eat until I'm not able to do anything but vomit. And I will NOT drink while I'm eating.

I've decided that when the time comes to go to a restaurant, when I order my food, and no drink, I will also ask for a to-go box. When my food and my box arrive, I will leave the appropriate amount of food on my plate and the rest will go into the box, not to be seen again until the following day. I've never had a problem with leftovers.

My son, who was sleeved 3 years ago, and his wife, still split an entre. He can only eat about 8oz and unless you're eating French, there's plenty on your plate to share!

When I was banded, sometimes I would go the appetizer route. Usually Protein, but stay away from the fried stuff! NOT a good choice!!!

Well, feel free to make other eating out suggestions! Good luck to everyone!!!

[blondebomb 580]

we eat at panera, ruby tues, tx roadhouse, mexican. rubys is first pick bc of organic choices an I luv their salmon! I also get their grilled zuchinni an green beans.an chedders..I like their world class grilled chicken an I get no bun an no tomatoe an no lettuce. mexican (good real mexcian) I get chicken fajitas! onions grilled well done! when we go out to Breakfast I'll get scrambled eggs with chedder an bacon. these are my usuals when going out..an yes to go boxes!

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

@@blondebomb - Thanks so much for your input!

[Soready2lose 49]

I'm interested to hear if anyone else has suggestions for eating at restaurants. I have a ways to go before I'll be ready for that, but I like to plan ahead. ????

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Use common sense. Protein first then veg. Depending on the situation I either do not order a beverage or just ask for Water and set it aside.

Eating out has not been an issue for me.

[CheleLynn45 615]

I am 4 months post op and in the earlier months I was so nervous about eating out. I was trying so hard to do everything correct. But as time went on I found that pretty much anywhere we go I always find something to order. We either share or I bring stuff home for another meal.

We went out for my friends birthday the other day and when I got home I realized what a good time I had. I focused more on the company than the food, it was actually pretty cool. I never feel weird cause of how I have to eat and it doesn't bother me with what other people are eating.

This is just my new normal and I am loving it!!

[Eli Alexander 316]

I'm only a month out, so my experience is limited, but I've been out with friends a half dozen times so far. I have either just gotten a beverage and skipped eating (tea or coffee) or I've ordered something like a chicken breast sandwich and just ate the chicken. Eventually I'll eat more variety when out, but it's been nice to focus on the companionship and not the food.

[GenaW828 117]

I will admit I eat out way too much but when I do it is usually grilled chicken, steak or a burger no bun by the time I eat my Protein I'm stuffed. And also I go to places were I can look up the nutrition information. I love places that have nutrition calculators that way you can add and take away.

[sissy63 12]

I am just shy of 60 days post op. and down 30 #!!! Last week was my first experience of eating out. We did 2 days-

first day was a cheese quesadilla/beans (PROTIEN)....I couldn't eat no more that 1/4 of it.

Second time we went to Olive Garden for the soup/salad...we got appetizers the mushrooms/cheese bites (Mistake #1)

by the time the Soup arrived, I could not eat it. NO I did not eat any bread....I ate 1 serving of salad with my 2 mushrooms/1 cheese bite.

YES ....TAKE HOME BOXES ARE A MUST!!!

Still learning...when ordering I always look for what would have the most Protein....

[croppinginstyle 11]

I love Panera's pick two option! I will get a salad and black bean Soup and the leftovers will usually feed me for two more meals.

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

Great ideas here! Hope others will lets us know their secrets to dining out!!!

[alwaysvegas 702]

I actually try to find somebody who's willing to split/share a meal. Sometimes it's just not convenient taking food to-go when eating out, but I find that splitting a meal is often more than enough food and half the cost.

Sometimes just an appetizer will work as a meal. I had a shrimp cocktail as my meal one dinner.

A cup of Soup can also serve as a meal. Just check that it's mostly Protein and not high in carbs (depending on what your nutritionist's orders are of course).

Other than that...I stick to low carb options if possible (eat only the Protein and non-starchy veggies). I really don't eat much fast food at all now, except for Subway (eating the 'guts' of any of their lower fat options are great!) or omelettes (though often waaaaay to big) at restaurants that serve Breakfast all day.

Even in a pinch, most all fast food places have some sort of chicken sandwhich. Get the non-fried, unbreaded type and you're good to go.

I think someone on here recommended this site: http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/

The site is not fully fleshed out, but will give you some great ideas for the lower calorie options. You would still have to be selective about the carbs and fat content, depending on your nutritionist's plan.

Edited February 25, 2015 by AlwaysVegas

[Sharon Walls 24]

My husband introduced me to El Pollo Loco recently. 1 grilled chicken leg with a small Water was plenty of food!

[Lacowgirl72 210]

I eat out a good bit for business lunches etc. I find that I don't like to pay for eating out unless I'm with someone who knows about my sleeve and we can share a plate! Lol

I normally try to order the most Protein rich food choice. I don't eat many salads since lettuce is one of the few things that does not agree with my sleeve. I will if there is no other choices get a chicken ceasar salad and eat the chicken off of it. I will eat a few tortilla chips at a mexican place but avoid bread and Pasta. I always order Water to drink because it seems to freak waitresses out when you don't order a drink. Easier to order and let it sit. I also don't eat Soup since I got on solid food since in my mind its like drinking with your meal.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

My family eats out all the time and it's easy! Order a grilled meat dish (chicken, steak, pork, lamb, etc.). It usually comes with 2 sides, one veggie and one starch. Swap out the starch for a second veggie. Skip the bread, drink, and dessert. Eat the Protein first. And good luck eating any veggies after that. So most of the veggies come home in a box for later meals. At Mexican, while my family eats chips and salsa, I ask for my own salsa and have a few bites with a spoon. I order fajitas, skip the chips and the tortillas, and maybe eat a bite of Beans. At Chinese, I order chicken and veggies in a white sauce. At Italian, I order a meat dish like chicken or veal piccata or marsala, skip the Pasta, and follow the rules above. Etc., etc. etc. Remember, calories are not our problem, starches and sweets are. So just stay away from them and don't worry about sauces too much. And, of course, don't drink with your meal. Good luck!